The Spellery Vol 5 July 2015 - Page 6

The Birch

By MedicineWoman

For many years photographers have seen the beauty in these amazing trees.

When using birch in herbal medicine it is not only very diverse but has also been used throughout history. Birch has been used throughout history for everything from making canoes and everything in between.

Birch is considered one of the oldest trees on earth and continues to serve not only to our the earth; but also has served humans and animals very well. The sap being high in fructose has also been used in the making of everything from adhesives, to wine, beer, baskets, yokes and even vinegar. The sap from the Birch tree provides a cool refreshing clear beverage and can be drank directly from the tree and is high in potassium.

Birch is highly adaptable to their surroundings and in fact have been intentionally planted in areas where the ground has toxins and nothing else will grow and in places where wastelands are because as it drops it's leaves and the tree falls birch will also heal the earth. Soon new plant life will begin to grow where there was nothing.

All parts of the birch tree are used medicinally. Birch is safe to use internally and externally. The leaves, twigs , bark and roots are all used medicinally. The birch has a great many values to the urinary tract and with fantastic results. Birch is used as a diuretic and as a cleansing agent with no known side effects. Birch is known for many uses as it is diuretic and anti-rheumatic properties; but is also a stimulant, astringent, anthelematic, choloagogue, and diaphoretic.

The leaves of the birch made into an infusion or tea. is used to cleanse and as a diuretic in much the same way cranberries are used. Birch has been used to eliminate gravel as well as dissolve kidney stones a very painful ailment. Birch also treats water retention, gout, rheumatism, and mild arthritis pain. The leaves of the birch are also used in the treatment of cramps and wounds.

The young shoots are used as a tonic and a laxative. A decoction of the leaves in the treatment of baldness or hair loss. Birch is also used in the treatment of insomnia. This same infusion will also treat skin problems, where the skin disorders are more severe the use of the bark will make the infusion much stronger. The bark and the twigs of the birch have much the same value of wintergreen. Soothing and cooling and detoxifies the blood. When used as a blood purifier and also used to treat boils and open sores. Having very positive effects on the bowels as well. Birch will tone the body and expel any worms etc. In treating the conditions of diarrhea, dysentery and cholrea infantum the effects are quite positive. Birch tea drank will heal canker sores. Birch Bark contains salycilates and are another great treatment for warts as well. Salycilates are quite effective in the treatment of inflamed tissues and joints..

Birch is very simple to make an essential oil out of the leaves and either extra virgin olive oil or sweet almond oil. Fill a jar full of leaves pour the above oil over the leaves and allow to sit in a sunny place for about 1 month, strain through and a nylon jelly bag. DO NOT USE CHEESECLOTH as the cheesecloth tends to absorb too much of the oil. that accompany